10 Blues defeats that left Roman Abramovich's ‘project’ in ruins

Monday 5 March 2012 16:29 BST

Centre of a storm: Didier Drogba were sent off against QPR in October

If there’s one thing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hates it’s losing. So it was no surprise to see boss Andre Villas-Boas sacked after 10 defeats in just 40 matches. Simon Johnson looks at the games which cost the Portuguese his job.

If there’s one thing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hates it’s losing. So it was no surprise to see boss Andre Villas-Boas sacked after 10 defeats in just 40 matches. Simon Johnson looks at the games which cost the Portuguese his job.

Sept 18, Man United (A) 1-3

AVB failed his first test against top class opposition and it provided clear evidence that his attempt to change tactics wasn’t working.

A desire to play a high defensive line made the team more vulnerable and United were the first to take advantage and they had the game won by half-time after racing into a 3-0 lead.

Oct 23, QPR (A) 0-1

Chelsea seemed unprepared for the intensity of this derby and never regained their composure after David Luiz conceded an early penalty.

Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba were sent off but the game is best remembered for the accusation John Terry made a racist comment to Anton Ferdinand — an incident which has hung over the club since.

Oct 29, Arsenal (H) 3-5

AVB’s tactical naivity was punished. Chelsea were far too open and the pressing game only succeeded in causing confusion and leaving space for Arsenal.

Terry’s slip when attempting to reach a Florent Malouda pass resulted in Robin van Persie putting Arsenal 4-3 up and summed up a miserable afternoon at the Bridge.

Nov 20, Liverpool (H) 1-2

Chelsea lost a second consecutive home League game for the first time in the Abramovich era to spark speculation AVB could be fired before Christmas. Liverpool negated Chelsea’s attack and Glen Johnson’s late winner sealed victory.

Nov 23, B Leverkusen (A) 1-2

The club’s chances of progressing to the knock-out phase of the Champions League were put at risk after conceding another late winner. Former midfielder Michael Ballack claimed afterwards his old team were “not as strong” as they used to be.

Nov 29, Liverpool (H) 0-2

Liverpool proved far too good for Chelsea again to knock them out of the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

Kenny Dalglish fielded a team full of senior players, AVB selected a mixture of youth and experience and the gamble didn’t pay off.

Dec 31, Aston Villa (H) 1- 3

Chelsea ended the year on a real low by losing to Aston Villa at home for the first time since 2002.

Despite Drogba giving them the lead in the first half, the Blues fell apart and they conceded twice in the last 10 minutes.

Feb 11, Everton (A) 0-2

Considering the dross that had gone on before, AVB admitted this was the worst performance of the season.

The players seemed to lack effort but when two of their better players, Juan Mata and Michael Essien, were substituted in the second half, the fans turned on AVB, chanting ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.

Feb 21, Napoli (A) 1-3

Abramovich demanded an explanation for AVB’s team selection after he left Essien, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole on the bench.

While they all came on as subs, their experience was missed and Chelsea were on the brink in Europe.

Mar 3, West Brom (A) 0-1

AVB’s last game in charge summed up what his ‘project’ had become. The team lacked creativity and were outfought by West Brom.

Chelsea lost to another sloppy goal and even Blues fans joined in with the home support about him ‘being sacked in the morning’.